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Local authorities are being encouraged to use road safety and speed management alternatives to speed cameras by the road safety minister.

Tory Mike Penning confirmed that no more money would be provided by local authorities for new fixed speed cameras.

He explained the need to reassure drivers that speed cameras are not used as a "cash cow" and that those that are already in place are there to encourage road safety.

Responding to a question in a parliamentary debate on the issue, Mr Penning said: "If authorities want to put up new fixed cameras, they are free to do so using their own resources, but we strongly encourage them to use other methods and effective safety measures."

He also acknowledged the public concern about the three-fold increase in the number of speed cameras on Britain’s roads over the last decade, adding that "speed has been part of the reason for many road traffic accidents, but not the sole reason for them".

The minister’s decision has been widely criticised by road safety charity Brake, who described Mr Penning’s comments as "shocking".

Brake called for more investment in new speed enforcement technology to prevent driving accidents and deaths in Britain, such as a speed limit map created for the road network.